List of Foods to Eat With Acid Reflux
It is not unusual to experience acid reflux symptoms, which often express themselves only periodically.
However, some people experience burning discomfort, sore throat, bloating, and burping virtually every time they eat. Acid reflux can also induce hoarseness and produce a terrible acidic taste.
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) develops when acid reflux causes chronic discomfort. Heartburn or pain in the upper abdomen and chest are the most typical symptoms of GERD.
GERD is a chronic acid reflux disorder that only a doctor can diagnose, and it affects around 20% of the US population.
In many cases, GERD is controllable with dietary modification, lifestyle changes, and medication.
On the other hand, visiting a gastroenterologist is necessary if you are experiencing severe and persistent acid reflux symptoms of reflux.
What is Acid Reflux, And How Does It Manifest Itself?
List of Foods to Eat With Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition in which acid from your stomach travels upward into your esophageal passageway.
While many people temporarily suffer from heartburn linked with the situation, chronic acid reflux is a medical disease that requires medical attention.
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that connects the esophagus to the stomach closes after ingesting your meal. The lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for keeping food and stomach acid in your stomach.
Acid from your stomach can escape upward into your esophagus if your sphincter is weak or does not close properly, resulting in heartburn.
The greater the amount of acid produced in the stomach, the higher the likelihood that you will experience acid reflux.
The most effective method of controlling acid reflux symptoms is to reduce stomach acid production by avoiding trigger foods, changing your lifestyle, and using medication if the problem is severe.
List of Acid Reflux Foods
The following foods recommended for people with acid reflux may not cure the problem, but they provide soothing effects that make the issue bearable in some cases.
1. Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in magnesium, minerals, and other nutrients. Even though most veggies are acid reflux friendly, you might want to stay away from others that trigger the condition.
The veggies to add to your list are:
- Leafy greens
- Asparagus
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
2. Proteins
Lean meats do not trigger acid reflux because they are low fat. Lower fat proteins from plants are also suitable for minimizing the symptoms of acid reflux. Some of the best choices include:
- Skinless chicken breast
- Skinless turkey breast
- Fish and seafood
- Lean beef cuts
- Black beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentils
- Tofu
- Tempeh
3. Non-Citric Fruits
Eating non-citric fruits will not trigger acid reflux. Moreover, you need fruits in your diet for nutrients and minerals. However, it would help if you were careful not to overindulge in the fruits.
The best options are:
- Apples soothe the stomach, promote healthy digestion, and regulate bowel movement
- Bananas, which are high in potassium and low in pH, help neutralize stomach acids.
- Fig is rich in several minerals and natural sugars and helps with indigestion and bowel movement regulation, thus lessening acid reflux.
- Papaya contains papain that helps improves digestion and reduces heartburn
- Peaches rich in vitamins and other minerals aid in managing skin problems, diabetes, and acid reflux, among others
- Watermelon has high water content and is rich in amino acids, vitamins C and A. It aids in digestion, neutralizes stomach acid, reduces acid reflux, and keeps the body hydrated.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains are among the most incredible foods for acid reflux since they are often higher in fiber than other foods. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, fiber may help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Consuming adequate fiber in your diet speeds up digestion and helps to regulate bowel movement.
Eating extra fiber also raises the pressure off the lower esophageal sphincter, which generates heartburn.
Besides being rich in fiber and low in sugar, whole grains are soothing to the stomach and easily tolerated. The best whole grains to add to your list are:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Whole rye bread
- Whole-wheat bread
5. Herbs and Spices
Many people with acid reflux will leave out spices and herbs from their meal plans.
Even though some of these food items may trigger acid reflux, others have soothing and healing properties that help stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, fight viruses and bacteria, and reduce acid reflux. Spice your food with the following herbs and spices without worrying about any triggers.
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Dill
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Parsley
- Peppermint
- Saffron
- Tarragon
- Thyme
6. Drinks
The following drinks have soothing effects. They are also low in fat and sugar and do not trigger acid reflux.
- Fennel water
- Coconut water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon ginger juice
- Lukewarm water with honey and a few drops of lemon juice
- Vegetable juice-use only the non-trigger veggies
- Oats, veggies, and fruit smoothies
- Low-fat cold milk
- Ginger tea
- Plain low-fat yogurt
Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux
It is crucial to identify and prevent the triggers to manage the symptoms of acid reflux. Some foods and beverages are more prone to trigger acid reflux than others.
Because acid reflux occurs quickly after consuming a food that is a trigger, it is easy to pinpoint the particular source of the problem. The highest triggers come from the following foods.
Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux
Here is a more detailed article on the foods to be avoided with acid reflux.
Tips To Help Manage Acid Reflux
The food you eat has a significant impact on your acid reflux management. On the other hand, the way you eat has a considerable effect on managing your symptoms.
- Track your symptoms and the foods that help you feel better.
- Reduce the size of your meals.
- It is important to eat slowly and chew your meal thoroughly.
- Drink as much liquid as possible throughout the day, ideally between meals and snacks.
- Instead of eating a large dinner, opt for two smaller ones during breakfast and lunch.
Final Thoughts
Acid reflux is a distressing and uncomfortable illness that you can manage by avoiding meals and beverages that cause the symptoms to manifest.
Aside from the trigger foods, some medications can also cause heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.
If you change your diet with no improvements, you should visit your doctor for further remedies.
List Of Foods To Eat With Acid Reflux |
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Vegetables |
Leafy greens |
Asparagus |
Cucumbers |
Broccoli |
Green beans |
Cauliflower |
Potatoes |
Proteins |
Skinless chicken breast |
Skinless turkey breast |
Fish and seafood |
Lean beef cuts |
Black beans |
Garbanzo beans |
Lentils |
Tofu |
Tempeh |
Non-Citric Fruits |
Apples |
Bananas |
Fig |
Papaya |
Peaches |
Watermelon |
Whole Grains |
Air-popped popcorn |
Brown rice |
Oatmeal |
Quinoa |
Whole rye bread |
Whole-wheat bread |
Herbs and Spices |
Basil |
Cinnamon |
Dill |
Fennel |
Ginger |
Parsley |
Peppermint |
Saffron |
Tarragon |
Thyme |
Drinks |
Fennel water |
Coconut water |
Apple cider vinegar |
Lemon ginger juice |
Lukewarm water with honey and a few drops of lemon juice |
Vegetable juice-use only the non-trigger veggies |
Oats, veggies, and fruit smoothies |
Low-fat cold milk |
Ginger tea |
Plain low-fat yogurt |
Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid |
Acidic Fruits and Vegetables |
Alcohol |
Baked goods |
Butter |
Caffeine |
Carbonated drinks |
Chips |
Chocolate |
Cookies |
Creamy sauces |
Fried foods |
Fried meats |
Full-fat dairy products |
Garlic |
Gravy |
High-fat desserts |
High-fat meats |
Lard |
Mint |
Oily and greasy foods |
Onions |
Pizza |
Processed snack foods |
Salad dressings |
Spicy Foods |
Sugar |
See Also